PSID-Ahlen leads the rise of experiential holiday interiors in the Philippines

"The upcoming exhibit delves into Christmas styling and decorating as a major driving force in introducing holiday trends amid impeccable interior designed spaces. The exhibiting class of 2025 promises its viewers a variety of styles and trends guaranteed to inspire, setting the stage for a new way of designing for the holidays." ~Pojie Pambid, PSID-Ahlen's Vice President for Academic Affairs

As houses become hubs of creativity, community, and nostalgia over the holidays, interior design has been changing to encourage emotional engagement and immersion. 

This movement is being spearheaded by the Philippine School of Interior Design (PSID)-Ahlen Institute, which produces designers that reimagine holiday interiors by fusing innovation, tradition, and civilization.

With designs that arouse the senses and foster emotional bonds, the experiential style is spreading throughout the world in both retail and residential interiors.  By creating interiors with captivating stories and multimodal aspects, PSID-Ahlen students are responding to the increased demand for places that engage and connect the senses.

Here are some concepts from PSID-Ahlen students that showcase this design trend.

Perlas Restaurant

Perlas Restaurant, an example plate from the PSID Students

Perlas Restaurant, an example plate from the PSID Students

An illustration of this experience design is the Perlas Restaurant concept, which celebrates the marine beauty of the Philippines by fusing the natural beauty of its numerous islands with the Filipinos' intense passion for food and the camaraderie that occurs over meals.

Polynesian Pool House

Polynesian Pool House, an example plate from the PSID Students

Polynesian Pool House, an example plate from the PSID Students

An additional illustration would be the Polynesian Pool House, a three-story resto-house that embodies the culture.  This idea immerses visitors in a distinct cultural layer on each floor, examining how Polynesian patterns, textures, and storytelling might create a meaningful dining experience.

Greek Mediterranean Home

Last but not least, a home that offers visitors a taste of Greece is the Greek Mediterranean Home concept.  It is the ideal place for leisure for anyone who wants to lose themselves in the tranquility of the Mediterranean Sea because of the furnishings, accessories, textures, and materials.

Immersion holiday exhibitions at shopping malls, museums, and cultural exhibits are also the best examples of this trend in interior design.

Later this year, PSID-Ahlen is holding their exhibit for their graduating class called Designs of Christmas Exhibit (D.O.C.E.).

The display will include four galleries that will introduce viewers to various Christmas experiences.  With color choices or from a cultural standpoint, gallery visitors will perceive Christmas as a trip through time and a reflection of the holiday's essence.

PSID-Ahlen’s D.O.C.E. is slated to open on September 27, 2025 at the GH Tower in Greenhills.